African Pilot Weekly Magazine 19:2026

As the countdown begins for the highly anticipated AviaDev Africa 2026, taking place from 10–12 June in Botswana, African Pilot Magazine caught up with Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev, for an update on the latest event developments and what participants can expect.

In this interview, Jon outlines the structure of the 2026 programme, including the dedicated Finance Forum, which will bring together African airlines, aircraft lessors, banks, OEMs and finance institutions to discuss aircraft access, leasing, ACMI, wet leasing, funding sources and fleet planning.

He also discusses how AviaDev Africa continues to position itself as a platform where the business of African aviation is done, connecting airlines, airports, tourism authorities, civil aviation stakeholders, investors and route development decision-makers through targeted one-to-one meetings.

The conversation covers Botswana’s role as host country, the work of Botswana Air Access, Air Botswana’s regional connectivity strategy, the participation of more than 50 airlines, and the growing interest from international carriers looking at Africa as a key aviation growth market.

Jon also previews some of the major programme highlights, including CEO-level airline discussions, unserved route reports from Airbus and Embraer, sessions on fuel supply, international markets, aviation finance, market access, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, which this year will be presented to Aaron Munetsi of AASA.

With around 500 delegates expected and more than 1,500 targeted meetings planned, AviaDev Africa 2026 is set to bring together the people shaping the future of African aviation.

Watch the full interview for insight into the event programme, confirmed participation, finance and leasing discussions, and the route development opportunities expected to take centre stage in Botswana. You can also visit the website for more information: https://www.aviadev.com/

On the sidelines of the recently held AFRAA MRO event in Addis Ababa, we had a catch-up with Captain George Kamal, Acting CEO of Kenya Airways and Chairman of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

Africa’s fleet is expected to grow to around 1,600 aircraft by 2044, with demand for approximately 74,000 aviation professionals. At the same time, the average aircraft age sits at 15.1 years, increasing maintenance pressure across the continent.

Engine turnaround times have extended to more than 120 days. Spare parts availability remains inconsistent. Financing costs are higher. The result is grounded aircraft and direct financial impact.

At Kenya Airways, a single aircraft on the ground for six months can result in losses of approximately $32 million.

African airlines are operating on thin margins. Profit per seat is estimated at around $1.3, compared to significantly higher returns in other regions.

Captain Kamal outlines the structural constraints:

• fragmented regulatory environment limiting the movement of licensed engineers
• limited coordination across African airlines
• supply chain bottlenecks affecting engines, parts and maintenance slots

He argues that Africa cannot continue as a consumer and must build its own MRO capability, workforce pipeline and a coordinated industry approach.

The discussion also points to a shift from planning to execution, with active engagement between major African carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines, to coordinate demand and engage OEMs more effectively.

Captain George Kamal also highlights the impact of grounded fleet and MRO supply chain constraints on the balance sheet, and outlines Kenya Airways’ cargo strategy, which is already becoming a reality. Cargo capacity has expanded from 70 tonnes to 180 tonnes per day within three months, with a target of more than 250 tonnes per day as part of the airline’s recovery.

This is a direct, operator-level view of Africa’s aviation economics, MRO constraints and the decisions shaping the continent’s airline industry.